The fact that 80 Member States came to this event and pledged more than $200 million is a very positive development indeed. We very much appreciate the commitment.

This is exactly what we had feared. We need to continue to do as much as possible to help mitigate this situation and prevent, insofar as that's possible, any such occurrences in the future.

We are looking now at setting up teams in all the surrounding countries, such as Turkmenistan and Iran who will be in a position in safe areas to deliver aid deeper inside the country where people most need it.

How can we have access to women when the rules state they must not mingle with any men unless they are in the company of a male chaperone?

Overall the security situation in Mazar remains somewhat unstable. As of this morning, we heard reports that along with occasional looting there is also 'punitive action' that is being carried out. We have also heard that fighting is continuing in and around the city.

It is possible that any attempt to communicate with the outside world could put staff at risk of their lives.